Skyline Charitable Foundation’s 18th Annual Golf Classic Breaks Records for Funds Raised as It Tops $350K! and Yields Enthusiastic Praise for a Spectacular Event All-Around
- Skyline Restoration
- 3 hours ago
- 9 min read
It’s official. The 18th annual Golf Classic hosted by The Skyline Charitable Foundation on June 29, 2026, at the Old Westbury Golf and Country Club on Long Island broke its record in fundraising by bringing in over $350K, surpassing previous totals by over $30K! Even before the final numbers were tabulated it was clear that the day was remarkable from start to finish.
Picture-perfect is defined as “completely flawless: PERFECT.” It “describes something or someone that is absolutely flawless, visually ideal, or perfectly suited for a given situation.”
A more picture-perfect ‘situation’ could not be imagined - from breakfast to tee-off to the VFW’s presentation of the flag through the cocktail hour and dinner. Even the weather was in perfect alignment, bringing warmth and sunshine throughout the day.
“The weather could not have been better,” said Marijana Rajkovic, program director of The Skyline Charitable Foundation
This was, in fact, the Classic’s first time helmed by Rajkovic, who led the team through preliminary planning that began a year ago, then guided all through a highly detailed timeline that kicked off full steam in February.
The Golf Classic Committee members are, from Skyline Restoration, Marijana Rajkovic, Spiro Markatos, Stephan Andreatos, Jasen Geraghty, Timothy Pasparakis, Danny Cornwell, and Kosta Sarellis; from Spring Scaffolding, William Laffey.
Over 300 attended comprised of 204 golfers grouped in 51 foursomes plus nearly 100 cocktail hour and dinner guests.
An Exquisite Venue
Old Westbury more than lived up to its reputation. Perched atop the highest point in Nassau County, the Club offers sweeping views to both the North and South Shores of Long Island. Its recently completed golf course renovation has received national attention, further enhancing one of the region's premier private club experiences. The comprehensive project included the reconstruction of all 27 greens and green surrounds, every tee box, and every bunker, along with the installation of a completely new state-of-the-art irrigation system featuring more than 30 miles of underground pipe. Over 2.5 million square feet of sod was installed throughout the property, transforming the course while preserving its classic character and championship pedigree.
The Club provided hydration stations throughout the day, lunch and refreshments and extended the service in the evening with a bustling cocktail hour and barbecue and lavish buffet dinner. Multi-instrumentalist Evan Kremin provided “amazing vibes on the patio,” said Rajkovic. Lefty's Cigars (sponsored by S&S Manufacturing) entertained with demonstrations of hand rolling cigars in distinctive flavors. Artisanal chocolates donated by Urs Kaufmann and Isabella Bricout of La Maison du Chocolat (a dinner sponsor) were placed at each table setting.
The grande finale, announcing prizes in various categories and raffle winners, was once again emceed by Jasen Geraghty, vice president of Skyline Restoration, who always brings a welcome dose of enthusiasm and humor to the role.
A new element introduced by the Golf Classic Committee was a Pick Your Prize-style raffle also known as a Chinese auction wherein guests select the prizes they most hope to win before the drawings. It incentivized guests to purchase many more raffle tickets for over 30 prizes – everything from iconic designer sunglasses to a spa day to a 1500-watt electric off-road adult scooter – all of which added $30K to the total.
Kudos from All
William Laffey, president of Spring Scaffolding and a Golf Classic committee member, said, “As a tournament sponsor of the 18th Annual Skyline Charitable Foundation Golf Outing, we were truly honored to support an event that brings the construction industry together for such a meaningful cause. The day couldn’t have been better — outstanding people, exceptional organization, and a golf course that is absolutely top‑tier. We’re proud to be part of an event that reflects the strength and camaraderie of our industry.”
Peter Oxenham, editor in chief, SKYlines newsletter, said, “I am happy to join Skyline in celebrating this opportunity for charitable giving, and also to recognize the dedication and significant commitment The Skyline Charitable Foundation has demonstrated in keeping this wonderful endeavor as vibrant and active as ever. Given this year's challenges, it is so gratifying to see the enthusiasm for this annual event. Eighteen years is almost a ‘generation’ and I am looking forward to the opportunity to attend the 20th.”
President of Skyline Restoration Spiro Markatos said, “This event continues to remind us what can be accomplished when people come together with a common purpose. We’re proud to bring our employees, clients, and industry partners together each year, not only to strengthen relationships, but to support organizations that make a lasting difference in the lives of others. We sincerely appreciate everyone who contributed to another outstanding Golf Outing.”
Sponsors and participants alike gave high marks to the event.
Keith Cornish, director of construction services for The Baldwin Group which once more was a Tournament Level sponsor, said, “We were delighted to return for our second year as a Tournament Sponsor. One of Baldwin’s core values is purpose, looking beyond self-interest and striving to make a positive difference in the communities we serve. That’s why we deeply admire Skyline’s commitment to helping others through this incredible event.
We were especially grateful that the weather cooperated this year, providing a welcome change from the intense heat of last year’s. Our team had a fantastic time, made several new connections, and truly enjoyed being part of such a meaningful day. We’re already looking forward to returning next year!”
Kate Groob, RA, director of professional services with CANY, said,” I had a wonderful time supporting The Skyline Charitable Foundation this year at the 18th Annual Golf Classic and defending my Longest Putt title for the second year in a row! Old Westbury is a beautiful course, and the outing is a fantastic opportunity to network with colleagues in the construction industry over some friendly competition, raffle prizes, good food, and good drinks. Looking forward to next year’s outing.”
Good Boy Golf, a California-based golf apparel and corporate swag company founded and run by Justin Hopkins, partnered with The Skyline Charitable Foundation to provide premium golfer giveaways and bring the Good Girl Showdown activation to the course. The friendly competition gives participants the chance to challenge professional women golfers brought in by Good Boy Golf and helped raise an additional $3500. Golfers who beat the pros took home such prizes as hats, divot tools, driver headcovers, bonus raffle tickets, and even a coveted zero on their scorecard.
Said Hopkins, "Good Boy Golf has partnered with more than 300 charity golf tournaments over the past three years and The Skyline Charitable Foundation's golf outing ranks among the very best we've ever experienced. From breakfast to lunch, cocktail hour, dinner, incredible tee-prizes, raffles, games, and every detail in-between, there wasn't a single moment where the player experience wasn't thoughtfully considered. What truly sets this event apart, though, is the passion of the Skyline team and the generosity of the participants; you can feel that everyone is there to make a difference. We were honored to be part of such an incredible day and look forward to supporting The Skyline Charitable Foundation for many years to come.”
Looking back on the day Rajkovic said, “As my first year leading The Skyline Charitable Foundation Golf Outing, I couldn’t be more proud of what we accomplished together. While the event was a wonderful day on the course, its true purpose was to bring our industry together in support of organizations that are making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Seeing our sponsors, volunteers, and participants rally around that mission was incredibly rewarding, and I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s outing such a tremendous success."
The Beneficiaries – The mission lives on and the grantees were generous in their praise.
Rap4Bronx
Rap4Bronx, created and launched by The Skyline Charitable Foundation in the spring of 2020 at the height of the pandemic, has distributed over five million pounds of food since its inception. This year, The Skyline Charitable Foundation partnered with Rethink Food to continue the food access work they began six years ago, and has returned to its regranting roots, leaving its mission not only intact but enhanced as it gained greater resources to assist its ongoing commitment to support Rap4Bronx.
Shana McCormick, former executive director of The Skyline Charitable Foundation who ran Rap4Bronx for five years, is the current senior director of government and community relations with Rethink Food, a chef-led nonprofit that works with small local restaurants to provide nutritious and culturally relevant meals to food insecure communities. Rethink Food has deployed over 35 million meals since 2020 and invested over $157M in small, largely Mom & Pop-style neighborhood restaurants.
Continuing to partner with The Skyline Charitable Foundation as each boosts the other’s mission forward, Rethink Food signed on as a tournament level sponsor of the Golf Classic.
McCormick, who played for the first time, said of her experience on the other side, “While it was really sweet being on the organizing side, it was also really sweet on the participating side. Being out on the course for a good cause and seeing old and new faces was so rewarding. Marijana, the board and the team did a fabulous job to create a seamless day. I was honored to be a part of the past, and now I’m so pleased to see the torch passed to such good hands.”
ALS Watchdawgs – ALS Watchdawgs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting FDNY members diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Research shows that firefighters are twice as likely to develop ALS compared to the general population.
Joe Farinacci, executive director, said, “The ALS Watchdawgs truly appreciate Skyline Charities. Our recipients depend on all the money we raise to help lift the financial burden that comes with ALS. This golf outing is a tremendous help for us to meet our fundraising goals, and it is a sign that people really care about the ALS community. This event certainly makes a difference in the life of the people we are helping by allowing us to purchase mobility devices like wheelchairs and hospital beds. Thank you for all you do and keep up the great work.”
The New York Center for Children (NYCC) is a non-profit organization providing trauma-focused therapy to help children heal from abuse, free of charge, for as long as necessary. Dedicated to serving children for 31 years, NYCC also provides groundbreaking training programs on child abuse recognition and response to students and professionals.
Christine Crowther, executive director, said, "The continuing support of The Skyline Charitable Foundation means so much to our Center and helps us tremendously in our work. We are so grateful for our longstanding partnership with Skyline which has enabled NYCC to grow and to help more children and families heal from abuse and succeed."
Hope for the Warriors was founded at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina in 2006, when a group of military spouses witnessed firsthand the effects of war seeing their loved ones return with visible and invisible wounds. HOPE has served more than 187,000 service members, veterans, & their loved ones to date.
Charlie Mills, MVP, peer mentor and Marine combat veteran, said, "On behalf of Hope for the Warriors and the veterans we serve, thank you for an incredible 18th Skyline Annual Golf Classic. Your generosity, hospitality, and unwavering support made this one of the best events we've attended. We are truly grateful for all you do for our veteran community.”
Danielle Rose, senior director of donor events and Marine spouse said, “We’re so grateful to have been included as a part of this event for another year. Your impact continues to change the lives of our military families, through HOPE’s mission of providing stability, strength, and community. Thank you for allowing us to continue to serve them in return for their service for us.”
And a huge congratulations to The Winning Foursome: Sean Amundson, Bob Delach, Mike Drumm, Claran Stack, Archstone Builders LLC, guests of Spring Scaffolding!
Thanks to our sponsors!
Tournament Level
The Baldwin Group
Spring Scaffolding
Rethink Food
Platinum Level
AE Design Solution
Skyline Access LLC
USI Insurance Services, LLC
Gold Sponsors
Extech Building Materials
GCP Applied Technologies
Lawless+Mangione, Architects and Engineers, LLP
Siplast
Skytrac Access Group
The Willis Law Group
EDG Architecture + Engineering
Historical Windows of New York
Broadway Builders
Cataldo Engineering
IIBEC: Metro New York Chapter
JVT Industries
Lombardo Engineering
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